AA Teccie (Paul)

Hmmmm, an interesting one...and a conundrum I would suggest, so probably stop reading now , that provided the 'new' TPO doesn't include the trees in question, and obviously they may have already been removed, then the replacement planting condition would not be enforceable by a 'TRN' (tree replacement notice.) In response to your Q2. I'm really note sure what the current protocol is, i.e. whether a new or amended TPO is the way to go although I suspect the former as the TPO covering groups and individuals etc. is fundamentally different. (I do bow to others greater knowledge here tho.) Hoping this posts prompts a better response...Paul, Gary??? Cheers.. Paul

Are you talking about 'size categories' in a development type context, whereby BS5837 may be relevant (not BS3998), or a general 'tree survey' (safety survey) type context? Either-way, in general terms, and as both Gary and Paul have said (I'm good at following others better knowledge ) there is no 'recognised' size categorisation...as far as I am aware. Categorisation does happen in BS5837 in relation to 'quality', I guess, and suitability for retention of trees on development sites (again as others have said) usually to make a longer term contribution. Otherwise you can develop your own 'categorisation' but be sure to explain it in the notes / 'survey key' and be consistent. Cheers.. Paul

CPD, CPD, CPD...thank you gents. (CPD = 'continuing professional development', informal granted, but valuable nevertheless )

Yup, reckon that's it, i.e. what used to by NPTC CS50, originally developed for, for instance, LA guys doing 'call-outs' so not anticipated bigger, more complex, trees requiring CS32 skills would be assigned. Cheers.. Paul

...and just be careful not to fell anything onto the MEWP! (CS47 was the chainsaw form MEWP ticket so guess you mean CS34, single windblow, and/or CS35 multiple.) Did the course, albeit "donkey's years ago", very useful and new techniques learned...REMEMBER it would/should also be deemed a 'refresher' for your chainsaw use and standard felling skills too so "win, win!" Enjoy.. Paul

Hi Ti, hope you're well. Firstly, if I may, a point of clarification here in that it was probably an 'Area' TPO rather than a Conservation Area designated as that involves quite a long process and is primarily done to protect / maintain buildings and architectural features not trees, they are incidental and contribute to the overall setting and landscape. Secondly, and in the strictest sense, once the trees are deemed "under threat", and thereby it is considered 'expedient' to make the TPO (assuming the trees have significant public amenity value of course) the TO is just doing his/her job. Nonetheless when you've gone through the official channels to start with and established there are no protections / restriction in place it is very difficult to accept that. The LPA should now survey the site quickly, and ideally prior to confirmation (6 months?) designating trees as individuals, groups and/or woodlands and this often results in some trees not being included in the amended TPO schedule. Anyhow's just my ten-penneth Have great BH weekend...'et al' Paul

Don't know why I always feel compelled to embarrass myself, but here goes: Thought Ulmus (Elm) initially coz seed-things / bracts(?) but leaves look Cornus (Dogwood) like, maybe, appen...dunno?! Anyhow's a least a start n I'm off back to them there PUWER Regulations Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, hope yer well. Albeit only applicable in England, as per 2012 'Trees Regs,', one of our contractors had a most concerning situation recently involving a LPA making a TPO on a tree resultant from 'his' Sect. 211 notice but didn't see fit to inform him...hence he turned up to do the job only to be informed by the tree owner about the TPO. He challenged this as the LPA indicated they were not obliged to inform him nor serve a copy of the order on him as an 'interested party,' which didn't seem right. Hence he turned to me for advice...and I duly went elsewhere (Mr Annett, former DCLG 'Arboriculturist' who cited the relevant legislation below) Procedure after making an order 5.—(1) As soon as practicable after making an order, and before confirming it, the authority which made it shall— (a)serve on the persons interested in the land affected by the order— (i)a copy of the order; and (ii)a notice containing the particulars specified in paragraph (2); (b)make a copy of the order available for public inspection, in accordance with paragraph (3); and ©in the case of an order made following service of a notice under section 211(3) (preservation of trees in conservation areas), serve on the person who served that notice the information specified in sub-paragraph (a). So, do bear this in mind. Cheers all.. Paul

You could try these Directory of Tree Surgeons - Arboricultural Association = circa 5.5k 'hits' per month TrustMark Tradesmen | Government endorsed standards = circa 12.5k 'hits' per month CHAS - The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme = 764 'CHAS Buyers' (AKA commercial clients) not forgetting once you get ARB Approved, the others follow suit without further assessment audit (until the following year as they're annual review schemes) ...time to scarper Cheers, Paul PS Don't overlook the value of you local parish magazines too

PS Glad you took the "homework" thing on board...but don't stay up too late now!

Gents, thank you for your posts here and indeed thank you for joining me, and for your contributions...and challenges , today at Holmfirth. I glad you found the day useful, apologies I overshot a little on time but it appears to have been worthwhile. I look forward to receiving your applications for assessment in the very near future . You know where I am if you have any further questions. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your evening. Cheers.. Paul

Yip, I reckon, albeit looking a tad chlorotic maybe

So, a disparity between 'theory' n 'practice' yeah. I guess the middle-ground is experience and perhaps tree species, i.e. vigour / vitality / condition, etc. n your comments are very valid...in relation to this species, and maybe Lime etc. Good stuff Mick, cheers Paul PS Who's panicking ...looks like you've got the job

Not necessarily a good thing, "last gasp" trying to recover photosynthetic material removed. Hmmmm , admittedly they're the one paying the bill tho

Hmmm, time for the reverse psychology approach then, i.e. tell them the opposite of what you actually want them to do Sorry, Friday afternoon. Very frustrating, and potentially dangerous, so record on personnel records and if repeated then enact disciplinary procedures...this assumes, as you've said, the instructions were clear, concise and effectively communicated, AND, ideally, documented on the site risk assessment which they signed. I don't normally advocate the 'stick' approach, generally much preferring the 'carrot', BUT, sometimes, hopefully very few n far between, you just have to...responsibilities of being the boss, n person ultimately responsible for H&S (albeit employees have duties / responsibility too and this action could be in breach of that.) Hope next week's a better one and at least it's the weekend. cheers.. Paul

Doing it in stages, i.e. phased pruning, would probably be the best option...trouble is also a more expensive on for the client. Hoping you're a good "tree welfare" salesman, remember point are it took the tree years to get to this size, so hitting it hard isn't generally good, plus 'topping / lopping' hurts trees and excessive pruning may result in extensive regrowth = future problems. Just quick "thoughts out loud".. Good luck. Paul PS This approach aligns with BS3998 2010 too

Paul , don't know what you mean...I understand myself perfickly...most of the time

"Monitor"...what, and who, meaning "by whom"...oh go on, for completeness, how? Thanks Paul

Adopting a "watching brief" here but the premise being by nominating someone 'appropriate', i.e. experienced / confident / competent, to manage the site / ground aspects of the operation they take control when things change, e.g. lots of children arrive near the site, rather than relying on the 'team-leader' who is often up the tree with enough to be thinking about. My experience is that once someone's name is written on the site risk assessment and they're assigned a specific role / duty, such as 'aerial rescue' which is now common place, they feel empowered, and responsible, and act more effectively....just hope they don't ask fer a pay rise Cheers, n watching wiv interest Paul

Agree with all the above, generally, and indeed my experience of people with the ISA Certified Arborist qualification via the ARB Approved Contractor is generally very positive in terms of both arb technical knowledge and practice. I too previously study the workbook, very useful, but never got round to doing the exams...boo hoo. However, and acknowledging that 'internationally', and certainly in N. America, the ISA Cert. Arb. is the way to go, but on a European basis it's also worth considering the Euro. Tree Worker qualification (see EAC - ) which has a deemed equivalency. "Food fer thought.." Cheers all.. Paul

Not as far as I am aware, but of course I'm not a 'legal eagle.' I think this link outlines it quite well Gaining Access to Neighbour's Land and I'm sure it's consistent with Mynor's book (but end of the day n eyes are too tired to read such small print.) Cheers.. Paul

Hi, you could try here Professional Tree Inspection 3 Day Course if no good look for other dates / venues here Training - Arboricultural Association Cheers, n good luck.. Paul

Sorry, "on a roll" see also http://www.ukfisa.com/assets/files/safetyLibrary/Health-and-Welfare/Lone-Working---FISA-Info-Leaflet-004-0415.pdf Cheers.. Paul

Coincidentally I've just read this on the FISA website which may be of relevance: "999 Text Service to assist hill walkers and climbers Mobile phone reception in the Highlands can often be intermittent or non-existent. If you are involved in an incident on the hill and need to call assistance but cannot make voice calls, you may now contact the 999 emergency services using a short messaging service (SMS) text from your mobile phone. The service was originally set up in 2009 for people who are hard of hearing or who have a speech impediment. The service has been successful in helping identify crime and enabling emergency calls to be made when otherwise contact would have been difficult or impossible for the people involved. The service will now assist those needing emergency assistance in the hills when mobile reception is poor and there is not enough signal to make a voice call. The benefit is that a text message can be composed and sent in a single operation. You should specify 'Police-Mountain Rescue' when sending the text, and include information about your location, nature of the incident and those involved. You will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergency SMS first. Register now: don't wait for an emergency. To register, text the word 'register' to 999. You will get a reply - then follow the instructions you are sent. This will only take approx. two minutes of your time and could save your life!" Cheers.. Paul

Hi Stephen, hope you're well. Lots of good stuff already but, as a matter of interest, consider having a look here Lone workers Also, personal first aid kit, well stocked is worth including. Cheers.. Paul